USA > Iowa > Cherokee County > Biographical history of Cherokoe County, Iowa : Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each ; a condensed history of Iowa, with portraits and biographies of the governors of the state ; engravings of prominent citizens in Cherokee County, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families. A concise history of the county, the cities, and townships > Part 33
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ing the toils and trials he has proved himself equal to the most extreme emergency and is to-day in good circumstances.
The next to come to Sheridan Township was Chris. Walters, who came from Tama County, Iowa, in 1869, and settled on the north half of the northeast quarter of section 32. He removed to Dakota, where he died in 1886.
During the year 1869 the following made settlement:
Ed McCullough took a homestead on sec- tion 22, where he still resides.
D. J. Hayes came from Wisconsin and settled on the northwest quarter of section 14. Ile remained about thirteen years and removed to California. He served as county supervisor for two terms. A brother-in-law named Henry Olney came the same time and took a homestead.
Lyman Pierce and his son Charles took each an "eighty " on the southeast half of section 10. They finally removed to Califor- nia, where the father died a short time since.
Another settler that first year was Samuel Russell, who located on the southwest of section 10. He is now running a hotel in Dakota.
William Peck came in 1869, settling on the east half of the southeast quarter of sec- tion 32.
Rodney Robie, who was too young to claim a homestead, paid $200 for a claim on the southwest quarter of section 20.
" Mike " Slinger came with others from Wisconsin and effected a settlement on sec- tion 28. He still owns the same.
Henry Anstin homesteaded on the west half of the sontheast quarter of section 20, building a sod claim shanty, which filled the bill for two homesteads.
William Bowers settled on section 35.
Charles Boyd, now of Nebraska, home-
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
steaded on the east half of sonthwest quarter of section 34.
John Pitts came with William Peek's family from Wisconsin, and took a home- stead on the west half of seetion 32.
Martin and John O'Boyles settled on the northeast of section 22, where they still live.
D. J. Gates settled on section 36.
In the year 1870 came the following, and, perhaps, a few others, but not many: John Courier, Andrew Brown, Frank Gillett, and Calvin and Henry Bushmell; the last two settled on section 34.
Bartley Sweeney, an Irishman, settled on the west half of the southwest quarter of sec- tion 34. He now lives in Cherokee. He is an odd character but one who is a money- maker; he has never married but enjoys his property alone!
In 1871 Henry Asman came out from Milwaukee, settling on the east half of sec- tion 29.
In 1872 the terrible grasshoppers made their first advent into Cherokee County and in consequence no further settlement of in- portance was made in this township until after 1878.
FIRST EVENTS.
The first actual settler was Henry Roddis, on seetion 28.
The first house was built of sod, in 1869, but later in that year, some time during the month of August, Henry Roddis erected the first real structure from lumber hauled from Sioux City, together with heavy frame work, hewed with a hand-ax. The house was 22 x 24 feet, and forms a part of his present commodious farm house, which is now nestled beneath the tall artificial grove he planted twenty years ago.
The first death in Sheridan Township was that of the wife of pioneer William Bowers, who it is said actually died from homesick-
ness. It was one of the saddest cases ever witnessed. She died during 1870.
The first birth was Ezra Edmond Roddis, born October 19, 1869. Ile still works on the place.
The first term of school was taught by Artemus Walters, at the house of William Peck, in the winter of 1869-'70. The next school was held at the home of M. Slinger, by Mrs. Gillett; this was a summer term in 1870.
The first attempt at religious services was in 1871, when Henry Roddis, Calvin and Henry Bushnell, F. Gillett, John Courier, A. J. Brown, John Walter and William Peck formed a Sunday-school and occasionally had preaching services at a school-house built from lumber which it is said by pioneers was stolen from the railroad company, because none other could be obtained. It was known early as the Brown School-liouse, but now as Sub- district No. 8.
The grasshoppers first appeared in the summer of 1872.
SCHOOLS.
The schools of this township have always been excellent. The first settler, Henry Rod- dis, taught twenty-three terms of school. He has been an important factor in the public schools in this part of the county. In 1888, according to the report of the school super- intendent, there were in Sheridan Township eight school-houses; the total enrollment of pupils was at that date 158.
The first school tanght at Meriden was presided over by Mrs. Carrie Peabody, now of California. This was held over Smith & Griffith's grocery store, in 1873. The fol- lowing year a school-house was built, which served five years and was sold to be used as a hardware store. The present school-house was erected in 1879, at a cost of $2,500; it is a two story frame building, with two de- partments.
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
RELIGIOUS.
The population of this township is largely Roman Catholic in its religious belief. A fine church building, located on section 33, accommodates those in both Rock and Sheri- dan townships. The fifty families belonging to this congregation are presided over by the Rev. Father Saunderson, of the Cherokee church.
FATAL ACCIDENT.
In the month of June, 1881, Mrs. William Wrought was instantly killed by lightning, at Meriden, while standing at her window during a severe storm. During the above storm a hired man working for Samuel Rus- sell was instantly killed by lightning. while standing upon the porch.
VILLAGE OF MERIDEN.
Meriden, at first known and platted as Hazzard, was platted by John J. Blair, of the Illinois Central Railway, December 22, 1870. It is situated on sections 12 and 13, township 92, range 41, and in Sheridan Township. Its population is 300. The citizens not having any great love for John I. Blair, whose rela- tive the town was named for, finally had the postoffice department re-name the place, and the railway company then changed its station name to Meriden. This has always been one of the liveliest shipping points along this line of road.
The first attempt at business in this place was in 1869, when the railroad camp of graders was near that point; a " wet grocery" was put in by Smith & Griffith. It is said to have been a "loud " place, and the wet part of the stock was more profitable and larger in proportion than the grocery part, as later on the damp goods were emptied out by citizens and the groceries sold to F. K. Pres- cott for $80!
The first residence in Meriden was on lots now occupied by the Cherokee County Bank.
F. K. Prescott, who purchased the " rail- road grocery" of Smith & Griffith, operated a short time, commencing in July, 1871, and then added a general stock of merchandise; he was alone until April, 1873, when his father, G. W. Prescott, arrived and joined him. F. K. went out of the firm after a time and the firm was known as Prescott & Upton, which continued six years and was changed to Prescott & Farnsworth, who ran about a year, and J. B. Nelson succeeded Farnsworth. In December, 1888. S. S. Striker was added to the firm, and it is now operated as Prescott, Nelson & Striker, who carry a general line of merchandise.
The pioneer grain-bnyer was F. K. Pres_ cott, who commenced in a small warehouse. The first elevator was built in 1873 by Pres- cott & Co. It had a 10,000-bushel capacity, and was a money-making investment at $3,600; it was destroyed by fire in 1879. Wheat was " king " at that date!
The first lumber dealer at Meriden was the saine as the first grain dealer.
The first hotel was what is now the Earl Honse, built by Hiram Reynolds, at a cost of $1,500.
The Meriden, the second hotel, was built by A. H. Albee in 1882. This was operated . until January 1, 1889.
The first hardware sold from an exclusive store was by N. C. Bnswell, in 1876.
The first furniture was sold by C. Boles in 1881.
The first dealers in farm machinery were the firm of Dull & Fuller, commencing in 1885.
The first drug store was opened by Dr. J. B. Ingels, in 1879.
A mill was built by a joint stock company of home men in 1878. It was a steam burr
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
flouring-mill. It is now idle, and owned by Upton & Wilcox.
The first harness shop was opened in 1884 by P. H. Weintz, who still holds the sole trade.
The first boot and shoe repair shop was opened by E. F. Christianson, who is still working on men's soles!
The first man to wield the sledge upon an anvil in Meriden was Patrick Tobin, who first lighted his forge in 1874, and still ponnds away!
The first to work at and sell millinery goods was Mrs. C. R. White.
A newspaper called the Ledger made its first issue in 1882, and was conducted by D. S. Ring, who finally rang out, after about one year. Then came the Meriden Journal, pub- lished about a year by Heury L. Listenberger.
The Cherokee County Bank was organized Jannary 1, 1886, by Ilills & Striker, who operated a year, when Hills sold to Messrs. Prescott and Lamorenx, who now with Stri- ker operate the same. The fine one-story bank building is the only brick structure in Meri- den. It was completed in the fall of 1886.
POSTOFFICE HISTORY.
A postoffice was established at this point, known at first as Hazzard postoffice, in 1869. The office was kept at tlie depot, and Lyman Pierce was botli station agent and postmas- ter. In 1871 Frank Prescott succeeded Pierce as postmaster, who held the same until lie resigned in favor of his father, G. W. Prescott, who held it until June, 1883, when he also resigned. N. C. Bryant then took the postoffice, and held it until H. W. Earl was appointed under Cleveland's admin- istration. It was made a money-order office October 1, 1888. The first order was sent to E. O. Excell, Chicago, Illinois, by William Dull; the amount sent was 81.65. Up to August 15, 1889, there had been sent 247 money orders and 350 postal notes.
INCORPORATION.
Meriden became an incorporated village in 1882. The following have served as may- ors of the place: N. C. Buswell, 1882-'83; George Cline, 1884-'85; James D. Taitt, 1886; C. R. White, 1887; P. H. Weintz, 1888; G. W. Prescott, 1889.
The town council in 1889 was as follows: G. W. Prescott, Mayor; William Dull, Re- corder; S. S. Striker, Pat Tobin, J. E. Jones, N. C. Buswell, J. B. Ingels, J. L. Chapin, Councilmen.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
The religious element predominates here. The Methodist, Presbyterian and Christian denominations all have fine church build- ings. The first to build was the Methodist Episcopal society, in 1882. This church was organized November 19, 1880, by a class of nineteen members. The present membership is abont sixty. The church edifice, built in 1882, is a frame structure, 24 x 40 feet, cost- ing $1.800. The present church board is as follows: L. S. Deyo, E. Williams, J. B. Chapin, A. D. Reed, J. Jones, J. W. Bryant, Mrs. H. J. Prescott, Mrs. A. Stevens. The several pastors have served in the following order: Rev. William Porfitt, Rev. S. B. HIonseholder, Rev. J. W. Martin, Rev. J. A. Goodbnru, Rev. F. W. Allnutt, Rev. J. B. Wyatt, Rev. T. Carter, Rev. J. W. Callander, Rev. James Burns.
The Presbyterian Church was organized in 1883, by twenty members, which now have increased to about seventy, a greater portion of whom live on farms near the village. Their first services were held at the Method- ist Church. In 1885 the society erected a neat building, at an expense of $2,500. It seats 250, and is ornamented by beautiful red stained glass. A fine-toned bell snrmonnts the belfry. The following have served as
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
pastors to this church: Rev. U. E. Todd, Rev. T. J. Gray, Rev. J. S. Dickey, Rev. J. W. Knott. The Sunday-school is well conducted, having an average of about forty scholars. The present church officials are: William Charlton, D. P. Temple, Elders; C. B. Head, C. B. Orser and O. C. McConnell, Trustees.
The Christian Church was formed at an early day; preaching was hiad at private houses throughout the surrounding county. In 1888 a church edifice was built at Meriden, at a cost of $2,500. It is a frame structure and seats 300. It was dedicated November 25, 1888. The present membership is an even hundred. Rev. E. C. Sanderson was pastor when the society organized, in 1884. Rev. M. E. Harlan, of Marcus, supplied the pul- pit for a time, and Rev. H. H. Ross is the present pastor. The present officers of the church are: J. B. Ingels, George Schellen- ger, William Piatt and Alfred Powell, El- ders; C. R. White, George Cline, H. C. Mitchell, J. D. Blair and C. Noble, Deacons. The Sunday-school with this church averages sixty pupils; six teachers do excellent work.
A Congregational Church was once formed here but finally went down, the other churches absorbing their membership.
The church buildings here are first-class, and all have bells within tastily-made domes.
BUSINESS INTERESTS OF 1889.
N. C. Buswell, hardware and groceries; C. F. Quinn, drugs; A. A. Christian, general store; Prescott, Nelson & Striker, general merchandise; T. H. Simins, hardware; P. H. Weintz, harness shop; J. D. Taitt, general store; E. W. Earl, grocery and postoffice; Listenberger & Hurd, meat market; Thomas Wilson, barber shop; White & Cline, grain and live stock; D. W. Christie, grain; E. U. Dickey & Co., grain; Henry B. Sudtelgte, lumber; Jones Bros., blacksmith and wagon 27
shop; Pat Tobin, blacksmith; Smith Powell, barber shop; Cherokee County Bank; Dull & Fuller, farm goods and furniture; Earl Hotel; Mrs. J. B. Nelson, millinery.
TILDEN TOWNSHIP.
N the western line of the county, the second tier from the south line, we find Tilden Township. It comprises all of congressional township 91, range 42, and has been an organized civil township since June 9, 1870. Formerly it was embraced in Pilot Township. It is directly east of Ply- mouth County; south of Amherst Township, Cherokee County; west of Rock Township, and north of Grand Meadow Township.
While Tilden is more broken in its general surface, yet it is a grand agricultural district, where stock-growing has become very profit- able and extensive.
In 1885 the township contained a popula- tion of 361 American and 137 foreign-born citizens.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settler to locate within the limits of Tilden Township was J. W. Tilden, for whom the township was named. He came from Winneshiek County, Iowa, and home- steaded on a part of section 26. His son also homesteaded on the same section. The Tilden family remained in the township until a few years ago; they now reside in Wash- ington Territory. In 1871 the following made up the settlement of Tilden Township, all being homesteaders:
Clark West, on section 12. In 1884 he moved to Northern Iowa; John Baker, R. E. Duncan, Mr. Clifford, Bishop Brayton, Jo- seph Coe, H. S. Briggs, who settled on sec- tion 8, in March, 1871. He came from Epworth, Dubuque County, Iowa, and now lives on section 16, of Amherst Township, to which place he removed in 1886. Two years
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
after Briggs settled in Tilden Township came Samuel McWilliams and family, who settled on section 8. The father is now dead, but the family still occupy the place.
Two years after McWilliams came, W. E. Simons settled on section 15, where he still resides. R. H. Peavy settled on section 8 at an early date and is still a resident.
FIRST EVENTS.
The first to settle in this part of the connty was J. W. Tilden.
The first death in this township was that of the wife of Mr. Clifford, who passed from earth in 1872.
The first school-house was built in 1871, at a cost of $S00. -
The first school was taught by Miss Mar- tha Goodrich, who received $84 for three months' school.
The first religious services were held at the Tilden school-house, in 1872 or 1873, by the Methodist people.
OTHER MATTERS.
To-day, the only religions denomination represented by an organized body is the Swedish Lutherans, who hold services at the Ulstead school-house. They are supplied by a minister from Alta.
The Methodist Episcopal people have occa- sional preaching, being supplied from Washta.
A postoffice was established in 1887, known as Fielding; it is on section 34. The post- master is Matt Gerten, who also operates a small general store at that point.
During the terrible wind storm of 1881, the wife of Charles Krelow was killed by the house being torn to pieces by the wind.
During a hard storm in 1888 a Danish laborer was instantly killed by lightning, at the house of E. L. Wilson. He was in bed at the fatal hour. A half dozen other per-
sons in the same house were more or less slocked and had their hair all burned from their body by electricity, but all escaped alive, except the unfortunate Dane.
SCHOOLS.
The first school election was held March 4, 1871. J. W. Tilden was elected director over District No. 1; M. B. Spinharney in District No. 2, and T. E. Chapman for Dis- trict No. 3. The first school-house was the one built in what is now District No. 7, in 1871.
The first year of the school history of the township the average attendance was quite sinall, but at the present time there are 169 pupils within the limits of the township. There are now seven snb-districts, all of which employ competent teachers. The value of school-honse property is, at this date, $2,500. Value of furniture, by an average, $80.
WILLOW TOWNSHIP.
IIIS is on the south line of Cherokee County, with Rock Township north; Silver, east; Ida Connty line, south; and Grand Meadow Township, west. It was organized by act of the Board of Supervisors, June 9, 1870, and now comprises all of con- gressional township 90, range 41.
As one passes through this magnificent snb-division of the connty to-day upon the rolling passenger coach, with rich waving grain fields casting their yellow and amber line over against the dark green back-ground of almost endless acres of thrifty corn fields, he can hardly realize the fact that it was not until the close of the great Civil War, in 1866, that Moses Pearson and family effected the first settlement in Willow Township. They came from the vicinity of Iowa Falls, Iowa, and located on a quarter of section 31, township 90, range 41, claiming the same
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
under the rights granted by the United States homestead laws. His wife still owns the farm.
Another early settler and homesteader was G. B. Gano, who came with his family from De Witt County, Iowa, in July, 1866, set- tling on the northwest quarter of section 30, where they still remain.
John Guilliams, son of pioneer Martin Guilliams, took land which he finally sold to E. Stratton, and then purchased land on sec- tion 16.
Joseph McCowen settled in 1868 on rail- road land, on section 31.
Henry Gipe and family settled on section 21, land now held by E. P. Purcell. Mr. Gipe died at Waterloo, Iowa, in 1884.
A. J. Whisman and family came to the township in the antumn of 1867, from Live ingston County, Illinois. They settled on the sontheast of section 30, township 90, range 41, taking a homestead of 160 acres, where they remained until 1887, and then removed to the village of Washta. Mr. Whisman had operated a general store upon his farm home from 1881 up to the time the railroad was built. 1887, when he engaged in the same business in the new village, in which he is very successful.
Mr. Pearson now resides in California. In coming into the county this pioneer family first stopped at Pilot Rock.
Next came Martin Guilliams and his fain- ily, who settled about the same time on sec- tion 31, township 90, range 41. After several years they removed to Oregon, where he died in 1888. His wife is also dead.
G. W. Rany also came in 1866, from Franklin County, Iowa, on the Iowa River. He settled on section 31, bnt afterward re- moved to the Pacific Coast, leaving here in 1877.
Jacob Hamilton, another pioneer, still liv- ing in the township, came from Franklin
County in February, 1868, settling on section 29. He owned land and resided for some time in Ida County, which is just sonth from Willow Township.
Moses D. Purdy settled on section 21, about 1867. Hle afterward removed to East- ern Iowa in 1883. Both he and his wife died in Black Hawk County.
Robert and Stephen Johnston came in 1866-67. The former settled on section 18. In 1875 they removed to Kansas.
FIRST EVENTS.
The first postoffice to be established in Willow Township was Washta, named from the Indian word Washta, which means "Good " in English. It seems that an In- dian came to the house of pioneer A. J. Whis- inan, and espying a gnn picked it up, took sight and exclaimed Washita, Washta !- con- veymg the idea that lie thought it was a good gun-hence the name Washita. This office was made in 1868, with A. J. Wishman as postmaster.
It seems to be generally understood that the wife of Alexander Brown was the first person who died in Willow Township. This death occurred in the spring of 1868, on sec- tion 21. In the absence of a more suitable bnrial casket, one was made of the lumber contained in a wagon-box.
The first marriage ceremony was that unit- ing A. C. Gipe and Jane Rany, in the spring of 1867.
The first school-house was of logs, and was built on section 30, in 1867. This was a primitive school-house, having the puncheon floors and slab seats.
The first school was taught by Mrs. R. M. Dewey, who tanght many terms -- thirteen in succession-besides odd terins. The first frame school-honse was built in 1868 on the same section the log house stood, but at
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
another location. The contract for erecting this was let to C. Foster, who was also en- gaged to teach the first term of school there, but because of his lack of qualification, gov- erminent, etc., he did not complete his terin, was discharged, and Scott McSparrow fin- ished it.
The first regular Fourth of July celebration in Willow Township was held in 1886, at the bridge near Washta. E. C. Ilerrick, of Cherokee, was chosen speaker, but was pre- vented from flying the proud " old eagle " by reason of the heavy rains which fell on that occasion.
The first goods sold at retail in the town- ship, were sold by Dwight Edmonds, in 1878, in the frame school-house built on section 30. HIe sold out to Eli Stratton. It may here be added that where the store went, in those early days, there the postoffice also went, that being part of the stock in trade!
SCHOOLS.
It will be observed by reading the " first events " of Willow Township, that the early settlers saw the necessity of establishing at once a good system of public schools. Com- mencing with the log building erected in 1867 they have gradually advanced as the timnes have seemed to demand. At the pres- ent date, 1889, there are six school-honses in the township, and two more contemplated the present year. There are now four male and eight female teachers employed in the various schools. The total enrollment of pupils was, in October, 1888, 135, who cost the patrons an average of $2.49 each.
POSTOFFICES.
The township is accommodated by the es- tablishment of Washita, Quimby and Wendel postoffices. See village history.
FATAL POISONING.
During the sunner of 1874 three children of Mr. Armitage dug what they supposed to be wild artichoke, but which proved to be wild parsnip, a deadly poison. They were immediately seized with violent pains and sickness. Dr. Wicks was suminoned and by his skillful efforts the lives of two of the children were saved, but the third, a boy of twelve summers, died in great agony. The prairies of this section of Iowa abound with this rank poison, and this is but one of scores of fatalities.
VILLAGE OF WASHTA.
Washta is the Indian word for our English "Good." It is the second station south from ·Cherokee, on the line of the Onawa branch of the Illinois Central Railroad. Its location is more particularly described as being on sec- tions 29 and 32 of township 90, range 41, west, in Willow civil township. It was platted in October, 1887, and recorded the 28th day of that month and year, by the Cherokee and Western Town Lot and Land Company. An addition known on the county plat-books as Allen's Addition was made May 7, 1888, by J. Hugh Allen and Abbie E. Allen.
FIRST THINGS.
The first move toward erecting buildings on the plat was the work of constructing the Congregational Church, which comneneed as soon as the lots had been properly staked off by the surveyor, in the fall of 1887.
The first business lots were sold to the fol- lowing, who erected the first general business houses in the place: E. M. Gatchell. Bunn & Mattoon, E. Stratton and Felter & Brackney.
The first store was open for business even before the coming of the railroad, as George Stratton carried a general stock of merchan- dise at this point in 1886.
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
The first blacksmith to ponnd beside a forge in Washta was W. W. Meredith.
The first shoemaker of the place was W. A. Henderson.
The first harness-maker was J. H. Shelton.
The first hardware was sold by Bunn & Mattoon.
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